"St Mary's Newport: a five-star gastroscopy"

I underwent a gastroscopy thursday 28th March at St Mary's hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight in the Endoscopy Unit.

I read the various letters on this site prior to the operation.

I was treated as if I was in a five star hotel. My blood pressure was truly up as my driver got snarled up intraffic due to a road accident and although we were able to phone the hospital ahead we still arrived 15 minutes late.

I was met by a very couteous male receptionist who oozed confidence saying not to worry, a male nurse then came out to meet me and talked me through the procedure again a very relaxing mode. Entering the first ward I just had to remove my coat, leave your shoes on I was told! That immediately made me feel good as I was ready to go back home as it were.

Again I was talked through with the consent form as I had opted for sedation - I am a natural coward. Entering the theatre room I was introduced to each member of staff who would be involved and this was lovely as they smiled and patted my arm telling me everything was Ok.

I recall I had the spray to freeze the throat, tasting of bananas, well I guess that was a fair description! After that I was made comfortable on my left side and a nurse said I am just putting a cotton swab up your nostril, which was Ok, no problem the other nurse said Ok a tiny scratch on the arm which was being held by yet another nurse.

My first memory after that was, would I like tea or coffee? It was all over. The result was given to me in principle with a print out copy and also instructions for home. I was allowed to rest whilst they called my driver to collect me. The entire crew of staff worked so well as a team and the smiles and efficiency are memory enough for me.

I hope this little story helps anyone who has to undergo this in their late 70's as I did.